Submitted by NASCAR Ranting and Raving Blog

Well the awards show went off without too much of a hitch. In fact, according to other sources,it was almost too perfect. The reason why I say ‘other sources’ is because the awards show wasn’t televised in Canada - at least to my knowledge anyway, I couldn’t find it on anywhere on TV.

Except for a little mix-up with the teleprompter by Jimmie Johnson, and a tear shed by Jeff Gordon while talking about his wife and daughter the rest of the night was pretty much boring - at least that is what I’ve read.

You know, I just wish I had the opportunity to see for myself if it was boring or not. The missing of the awards show happens a lot in Canada. They sometimes will air it at a later date - meaning like over Christmas Holidays and late at night when nothing else is on.

One thing I find very interesting, and I’ve noticed that not too many people have really made a fuss about, is the absence of Dale Jr in New York. He is on vacation in Australia. Now granted he didn’t make the top 10 in points and he wouldn’t have been up on stage, but the absence of NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver (as voted by you) from NASCAR’s biggest celebration (albeit, self-proclaimed - but still …) leaves one wondering just exactly who needs who. When the fan’s favourite is a no show at the year end party then what are the fans to think?

Is it just a case of sour grapes? Is Dale Jr’s battle with his stepmother bad enough to keep him away from the ceremonies and hang with with his bud Martin Truex? Does he have a lack of respect for his fellow drivers - two of which are going to be his teammates next year? Imagine if he wins the Championship next year and they didn’t show up to support him? Is he on a secret covert mission for NASCAR to spy on the Aussie V8 Supercar Series Championship, or even spy on the newly established Speed Car Series?

I don’t know, but what I do know is that even when his father finished out of the top 10 he still showed - it made him want it more the next year.

Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images - Dale Jr (R) with supercar driver Mark Skaife.

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